Mimico Waterfront Park
* web image courtesy of Waterfront Toronto
Project Update
TRCA completed the second phase of the Mimico Waterfront Park this fall. Park amenities include a new section of multi-use trail, three sections of cantilevered boardwalk, aquatic and terrestrial habitat improvements, landscaping and park lighting.
Project Information
Mimico Waterfront Park is a new park amenity on the Lake Ontario waterfront between Humber Bay Park West and Norris Crescent Parkette, within the City of Toronto. The implementation of this project included the creation of a section of the Waterfront Trail, cantilevered boardwalks, formation of a sheltered embayment, the installation of a sand dune feature and cobble beaches, landscaping, park lighting, as well as further enhancements to terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Funding of $18 million for this project is provided by Waterfront Toronto.
Phase 1 included the creation of two small headlands, three cobble beaches and a rounded shoreline at the foot of Superior Avenue. A partly sheltered embayment, a boardwalk and a back dune feature at Amos Waites Park. Terrestrial and aquatic habitat enhancement work was also undertaken as part of Phase 1.
Phase 2 works resulted in three sections of cantilevered boardwalk and a multi-use Waterfront Trail between Superior Avenue and Grand Harbour. Additional activities included the creation of small pockets of wetland habitat between the boardwalk and shoreline, terrestrial and aquatic habitat enhancements, landscaping and park lighting.
Mimico Waterfront Park Landscape Plan
Project Objectives
The objectives of the project were to resolve land ownership issues and remove physical barriers in order to create a safe and accessible waterfront. This project was a collaborative initiative to provide environmental, economic and social benefits to the Mimico community and the City of Toronto.
Project Approvals
Click to download the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Study -6,930K
TRCA received Approval to Proceed with the Mimico Waterfront Park from the Ministry of the Environment under subsection 7(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act on August 11, 2004. The environmental assessment was prepared as directed by the Terms of Reference approved by the Minister of the Environment on November 13, 2001.
In 2003, the federal, provincial and municipal governments were asked to consider including the Mimico Waterfront Park as a project to be funded under the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative (TWRI) through a contribution agreement between the three governments and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC). The federal funds for the TWRI flow through Transport Canada. In anticipation that the project would receive federal funds, Transport Canada participated in the federal environmental assessment as a Responsible Authority.
TRCA was notified on December 12, 2004, pursuant to subsection 20(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act that the responsible authorities (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada) made a determination that the Mimico Waterfront Park project could proceed. Further authorizations and approvals which were secured in support of the project include:
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Fish Habitat Management Authorization for the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat pursuant to subsection 35 (2) of the Fisheries Act
- Ministry of Culture - Approved Stage 1 Archeological Assessment
- Transport Canada - Authorization pursuant to the Navigable Waters Protection Act
Public and Agency Consultation
The Mimico Waterfront Park Project was developed through an extensive public consultation process that began in 1999 and included the formation of a working group, composed of private and public stakeholders. A comprehensive listing and details of all meetings and events pertaining to the development of the project is provided in the Environmental Assessment document. Public input and consultation continued into the implementation phase through the Working Implementation Group.
For more information, please contact Nancy Gaffney, Waterfront Specialist at 416 661-6600, ext. 5313.
